Uses of D-Fen: - Migraine Headache, Migraine Premature infants or neonates. Postural giddiness.

Anti-histamine Preparations, Other drugs for migraine

Pizotifen works by inhibiting the peripheral actions of serotonin and histamine in increasing the membrane permeability of cranial vessels and transudation of plasmakinin, while altering pain thresholds in migraines. By blocking 5-HT receptors, pizotifen attenuates the signalling of serotonin in causing cranial vasoconstriction, as well as serotonin-enhanced platelet function and aggregation. There is evidence that it also inhibits the peripheral actions of bradykinin. Pizotifen may inhibit serotonin reuptake by blood platelets, which affects the tonicity and decreases passive distension of extracranial arteries. The effects of pizotifen leading to appetite stimulation may be due to the drug acting at the metabolic level rather than a direct stimulation of the appetite centre.

How to use Pizotifen: Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Pizotifen may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. Administration: May be taken with or without food. Adult Dose: Oral Prophylaxis of migraine; Prophylaxis of cluster headache Adult: Initially, 0.5 mg, increase gradually as necessary. Maintenance: 1.5 mg daily as a single dose at night or in 3 divided doses. Max: 4.5 mg daily (max ?3 mg/dose). Hepatic impairment: Dose adjustment may be needed. Child Dose: Oral Prophylaxis of migraine; Prophylaxis of cluster headache Child: >2 yr Initially, 0.5 mg. May increase gradually up to 1.5 mg daily in divided doses (max 1 mg/dose). Renal Dose: Renal impairment: Dose adjustment may be needed.

Enhances sedative effects of CNS depressants. Additive antimuscarinic action with other antimuscarinic drugs. May mask warning signs of damage caused by ototoxic drugs eg, aminoglycosides.

Premature infants or neonates. Postural giddiness.

Common - Sleepiness - Dryness in mouth - Increased appetite - Dizziness - Drowsiness - Feeling sick Increased appetite, nausea, wt gain, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, muscle pain or cramps, heavy or restless legs, fluid retention, facial flushing, reduced libido, exacerbation of epilepsy, dreaming, hepatic injury.

Information of using Pizotifen in pregnancy is limited, although no ill effects have been reported. The drug should therefore only be given during pregnancy if the potential benefit to mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of Pizotifen during lactation has not been established, so mothers should avoid taking it when breast feeding.

Precaution: Patient w/ angle-closure glaucoma, urinary retention, epilepsy. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Renal and hepatic impairment. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling This drug may cause drowsiness, somnolence and dizziness, if affected, do not drive or operate machinery. Monitoring Parameters Monitor hepatic function (prolonged use), wt gain, BP.

Keep in a dry place away from light and heat. Keep out of the reach of children.

Anti-histamine Preparations, Other drugs for migraine

Pizotifen is a sedating antihistamine with strong serotonin antagonist and weak antimuscarinic properties. It also antagonises the action of tryptamine.

Information of using Pizotifen in pregnancy is limited, although no ill effects have been reported. The drug should therefore only be given during pregnancy if the potential benefit to mother justifies the potential risk to the fetus. The safety of Pizotifen during lactation has not been established, so mothers should avoid taking it when breast feeding.